Tuesday, January 8, 2013

This is one of the projects I let go before Christmas. I had planned to make Scarlett and Tess each a Waldorf doll similar to the one I made Audrey when Scarlett was born. And to go with the new dolls, little outfits complete with sweaters and overcoats. I thought I'd make the outfits for Audrey's doll too so she could feel included, and because I didn't love the outfits I made for her doll. The patterns seem so limited for these adorable dolls, especially when it seems they should have perfect modern, European looking clothing!

So I was thrilled when I stumbled on this Etsy seller while searching for a Waldorf doll kit. I love this sweater pattern and a few others she is selling! I made it a cardigan, per her suggestion for this variation, and I decided to add some crochet loops and sewn on buttons so my littlest girls can practice buttoning. I liked it so much I am thinking I need to try this girl-sized for Scarlett or Tess. Such a good basic!

I followed the pattern for the most part but I used KnitPicks Swish DK yarn, in Rouge, Marina and Serrano, with size 7 circular needles, added another row of ribbing at the hem and sleeves, and did the cardigan variation as I mentioned.

My older two girls haven't been much into dolls, which I why I haven't made them a Waldorf doll yet. Audrey has set the pace with her interests, but now Tess and Scarlett are clearly interested and even Audrey plays along sometimes. So I am optimistic about this, but due to the inherent risk I decided not to kill myself with this project in time for Christmas. I just barely finished the sweaters--as with most things they took longer than I estimated--and haven't started the two dolls yet. Perhaps Valentine's Day presents? When I do finish the dolls and their wardrobes I hope my girls will love them. If not to play with all the time then at least I hope they'll appreciate them and love the idea of Mom-made dolls when they are women.

I ordered the stuff to make my girls Waldorf dolls in time for my baby boy to be born. He's nearly six months old now... I should probably get that done soon! Well, his naps are starting to regulate and the oldest is in school 3x a week now so maybe I can fit more crafting time in! Especially since I'm nearly done tearing apart and reassembling my house, lol.

Those are precious! I'm a little bit envious of your ability to make these adorable dolls! And, I've just learned to knit so I'm marveling even more than normal at the tiny little sweaters and their sweet little buttons. :)

I do understand the "risk" involved in making something so time consuming for a little girl. I crocheted an entire outfit for my little girl's favorite doll (when her brother was born she decided her bald girl baby should be a boy, so he's been wearing newborn clothes for the last year and looked kind of pitiful and homeless) :) I was afraid she wouldn't appreciate the more simple gift in light of some of the more glamorous, sparkly gifts others were giving her, but my husband assured me that though she wouldn't have any idea what time and thought went into the outfit now, one day she'll be grown and look back and remember that Momma made her an entire outfit for her baby. She DID love it, and her baby does look adorable in it, and I'm hopeful that one day when I teach her to crochet, she'll realize the amount of love that went into her special baby clothes. :)I think your girls will realize someday - if they haven't yet - that their momma puts her all into doing things for them, as well as your greater-than-usual amount of talent!

WOW! What darling bright colored cardigans for Waldorf dolls. You are a perfect knitter... I didn't know about Waldorf dolls, so I "googled" to discover a couple websites selling them.. and learned they are hand-sewn soft heirloom-quality German dolls. Your 3 little girls must be pleased that you've created knit doll sweaters that they certainly can save for their daughters! I LOVE your blog-- the BEST one I look & read & SEE what you create fro your girls & family!Sarah Helene in Minneapolis, MN

These sweaters are the exact, perfect thing that I was looking for to add to the Waldorf dolls I intend to make when I retire next year. I had seen the pattern on Etsy, but didn't know it came with the cardigan option, which is what I really wanted. Thanks so much for sharing the lovely, colorful photos. Your knitting is gorgeous. Oh, and I just ordered my pattern :)

Really cute! If i didnt have my American Girl doll to hand down to my daughter i would attempt to make one. I do know i want to make them matching sweaters now! Haha so i should get started on that now... These are so cute! Love your color choices.

These are wonderful and I think the girls will definitely treasure them - especially when they are older - what a treasure to hand down to their own daughters some day! I love all the memories you make for your girls.

DebbieI would love to make your beautiful l little sweaters. But I'm sorry to admit that I do not know how to knit. I really want to make them! Is there any way you would make something in crochet .i'm sure there are a lot of moms who can only crochet. I